Discover the Wonders of the Northern Hemisphere Constellations

Stargazing is a fascinating activity that allows us to connect with the universe and its mysteries. Constellations, these groupings of stars forming patterns, have inspired human imagination for millennia. This article provides an overview of the emblematic constellations of the northern hemisphere, highlighting some mythological points and listing notable celestial objects to observe.

The Great Bear

The Great Bear, or Ursa Major, is undoubtedly the most famous constellation in the northern sky. Composed of an asterism formed by seven stars — often called the "Big Dipper" — it is visible all year round and serves as a valuable reference point for locating the North Star (by extending the line of the two outer stars of the dipper). In Greek mythology, this constellation is associated with Callisto, a nymph whose transformation into a bear is the subject of various tales.

• M81 (Bode's Galaxy): a spiral galaxy observable with binoculars or a small telescope.
• M82 (Cigar Galaxy): an irregular galaxy neighboring M81.
• M97 (Owl Nebula): a planetary nebula visible with a medium-sized telescope.
• M101 (Pinwheel Galaxy): a beautiful spiral galaxy accessible with a telescope.

Orion

Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations in the winter sky. Its belt, formed by three aligned stars (Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka), makes it an easy reference point. Orion also houses several bright stars, such as Rigel and Betelgeuse. Among the celestial objects, the Orion Nebula (M42) stands out for its ease of observation with the naked eye, while others, like the so-called "Horsehead Nebula," require optimal observation conditions and a powerful instrument.

Cassiopeia

Cassiopeia, easily recognizable by its "W" or "M" shape depending on the viewing angle, is visible all year round. It takes its name from the mythological queen who, out of pride, is said to have provoked the wrath of the gods. The constellation also houses some interesting clusters and nebulae.

• M52: an open cluster observable with binoculars or a small telescope.
• NGC 281 (Pacman Nebula): an emission nebula to observe with a telescope.
• NGC 457 (Owl Cluster): another open cluster of interest to amateur observers.

Seasonal Constellations

Cygnus and the Northern Cross Asterism

Cygnus is a summer constellation that contains the well-known asterism of the Northern Cross. This asterism serves as a guide to orient the observer in the sky.

• NGC 7000 (North America Nebula): a vast emission nebula, ideal with binoculars.
• M29: a small open cluster accessible with binoculars.
• NGC 6826 (Blinking Nebula): a planetary nebula observable with a telescope.

Lyra

The constellation Lyra, small but bright, houses Vega, one of the brightest stars in the summer sky.

• M57 (Ring Nebula): an iconic planetary nebula.
• M56: a globular cluster to discover with binoculars.
• Vega: the star of this constellation, visible to the naked eye.

Aquila (The Eagle)

The constellation Aquila is also visible in summer. It is dominated by Altair, one of the brightest stars, and offers some objects of interest for amateur astronomers.

• NGC 6804: a nebula or galaxy (according to some classifications) observable with a telescope.
• Altair: the star of Aquila, easily visible to the naked eye.

Pegasus and Andromeda

In autumn, Pegasus stands out with its great square, while the constellation Andromeda hosts the Andromeda Galaxy, the closest large spiral to the Milky Way.

• Pegasus:
  • M15: a remarkable globular cluster.
  • NGC 7331: a beautiful spiral galaxy.
  • Enif: an orange supergiant star marking the constellation.
• Andromeda:
  • M31 (Andromeda Galaxy): visible to the naked eye under good conditions.
  • M32: an elliptical companion galaxy.
  • M110: another elliptical galaxy to observe with a telescope.

Leo and Virgo

In spring, Leo stands out with its sickle shape, while Virgo offers a rich assortment of galaxies and star clusters.

• Leo:
  • M65: a spiral galaxy.
  • M66: another notable spiral galaxy in this region.
  • M95 and M96: two spiral galaxies accessible with a telescope.
• Virgo:
  • M49: an elliptical galaxy.
  • M58: a barred spiral galaxy.
  • M60: another elliptical galaxy.
  • M87: a giant elliptical galaxy, a must-see for observation enthusiasts.

Draco (The Dragon)

A circumpolar constellation, Draco winds between the Great and Little Bears. It also contains some fascinating objects.

• NGC 6543 (Cat's Eye Nebula): a remarkable planetary nebula.
• NGC 4236: a spiral galaxy observable with a telescope.
• Thuban: formerly the pole star, visible to the naked eye under optimal conditions.

Vulpecula (The Little Fox)

Less well-known, the constellation Vulpecula, sometimes nicknamed "the Little Fox," offers some objects of interest.

• M27 (Dumbbell Nebula): a planetary nebula easy to spot with binoculars.
• NGC 6940: an interesting open cluster.
• NGC 6939: another open cluster to observe.

Delphinus (The Dolphin)

Small but well-defined, Delphinus offers a pleasant field of observation in summer.

• NGC 6934: a globular cluster.
• NGC 7006: another remarkable globular cluster.
• NGC 6910: an open cluster accessible with binoculars.

Triangulum (The Triangle)

This small autumn constellation, in the shape of a triangle, houses some interesting celestial objects.

• M33 (Triangulum Galaxy): a famous spiral visible even with modest instruments.
• NGC 604: a vast star-forming region.
• NGC 925: a barred spiral galaxy.

Perseus

Visible in autumn, Perseus also offers some clusters and nebulae.

• M34: an interesting open cluster.
• NGC 869 and NGC 884: the famous Double Cluster in Perseus, ideal with binoculars.

Aries

This spring constellation presents several remarkable galaxies.

• NGC 772: a spiral galaxy.
• NGC 972: another spiral to observe.
• NGC 1156: an irregular galaxy accessible with a telescope.

Taurus

A winter constellation, Taurus is famous for its clusters and nebulae.

• M45 (The Pleiades): an open cluster visible to the naked eye.
• M1 (Crab Nebula): a diffuse nebula accessible with a telescope.
• Aldebaran: a red giant star that marks Taurus.

Auriga (The Charioteer)

Auriga, nicknamed "the Charioteer," is a spring constellation rich in open clusters.

• M36, M37, and M38: three iconic open clusters to observe with binoculars.

Gemini

Visible in winter, the constellation Gemini houses several attractive celestial objects.

• M35: an open cluster accessible with binoculars.
• NGC 2392 (Eskimo Nebula): an interesting planetary nebula.
• Pollux: one of the major stars of this constellation.

Cancer

This winter constellation also offers some remarkable clusters.

• M44 (The Beehive Cluster): an open cluster visible to the naked eye.
• M67: another open cluster to observe with binoculars.
• NGC 2683: a spiral galaxy accessible with a telescope.

Leo Minor (The Little Lion)

Less extensive than its big brother Leo, Leo Minor offers some targets for observers.

• NGC 3344, NGC 3357, and NGC 3367: spiral galaxies to discover with a telescope.

Coma Berenices (Berenice's Hair)

This constellation, associated with Queen Berenice, is known for its clusters and galaxies.

• M53: a globular cluster.
• M64 (Black Eye Galaxy): a characteristic spiral galaxy.
• M85: a lenticular galaxy accessible with a telescope.

Sagittarius

Visible in summer, Sagittarius is teeming with nebulae and clusters located towards the galactic center.

• M8 (Lagoon Nebula): an immense emission nebula.
• M17 (Omega Nebula): another emission nebula to observe.
• M20 (Trifid Nebula): a nebula with surprising shapes.

Capricornus

A discreet summer constellation, Capricornus contains some interesting galaxies.

• M30: a globular cluster to observe with binoculars.
• NGC 6907: a barred spiral galaxy.
• NGC 6902: another spiral galaxy accessible with a telescope.

Aquarius

An autumn constellation, Aquarius offers rich targets for observing clusters and nebulae.

• M2: an impressive globular cluster.
• M72: another globular cluster to discover.
• M73: a small open cluster accessible with binoculars.

Piscis Austrinus

Although its name evokes the southern hemisphere, this region of the sky is also observable in autumn from certain northern latitudes.

• NGC 7364: a spiral galaxy accessible with a telescope.
• NGC 7172: another interesting spiral galaxy.
• NGC 7176: an elliptical galaxy to observe.

Conclusion

Observing constellations allows us to discover a rich and varied universe. Whether you are an amateur astronomer or an enthusiast, these celestial landmarks invite you to explore fascinating objects, from nebulae to galaxies, throughout the year. For optimal observation, choose a clear night, away from urban lights, and use applications or star charts to guide you.

Happy observing, and may the stars inspire you!